THE 4 PILLARS OF Alzheimer’s...
Transcript of THE 4 PILLARS OF Alzheimer’s...
Happy Holidays
Perhaps, if you’re from my generation, the title of this month’s message conjures up the groundbreaking Moody Blues album by the same name. With its fusion of orchestral and rock elements, it was groundbreaking–way ahead of its time. Not unlike The Moody Blues, our work is also way ahead of its time. About 25 years to be exact.
We are grateful to other organizations increasing their focus and funding into Alzheimer’s research. Bill Gates himself has said that he exercises and works his mind to prevent Alzheimer’s, and has just committed $100 million to this cause.
It has been a great year for your ARPF. We’ve had more papers published than ever before, and we are gearing up to begin our most ambitious research yet, in conjunction with UCLA. This project will be focused on women, since women make up 66% of all Alzheimer’s cases.
As you’ll see on page 3, we’ve also had a tremendous success with our first Brain Longevity® Therapy Training, with more of them to come in 2018.
Truly, we could not accomplish our groundbreaking work without your generous support and for this we are exceedingly grateful. Indeed, the first Acknowledgment in our training Curriculum is dedicated to you, our donors. Here is what it says:
“There are many who are owed our deepest gratitude. First, I want to thank our generous donors, without whom all our progress, research, and this course would not have been possible.”
Please help us continue this great work, so that our families may be spared the pain of this terrible disease. All your donations are tax-deductible and we hope you’ll include ARPF in your year-end giving. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected].
On behalf of the entire ARPF family, I wish you a pleasant Holiday Season and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Yours in Brain Health, DHARMA SINGH KHALSA, M.D. PRESIDENT/MEDICAL DIRECTOR
4th Quarter 2017
Volume 17, Issue 4
WORKING TOWARDS PREVENTION SINCE 1993
THE 4 PILLARS OF
Alzheimer’s PreventionTM
President’s MessageDays of Future Passed
On the Cover: President’s Message
Page 2: Introducing Our Newest
Medical and Scientific Advisory Council Member
Book Review
Page 3: Outreach Update
What Others Are Saying
Page 4: Outreach Update
Page 5: Research Update
Page 6-7: Donor List - Thank You!
Page 8: New Training Now
Scheduled
INSIDE
OUR MISSION
The Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention
Foundation (ARPF) is dedicated to the
prevention of Alzheimer’s disease by funding research
studies and providing educational outreach
and memory screenings.
PHONE 1-888-908-5766 EMAIL [email protected] WEB www.AlzheimersPrevention.org © 2017 Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation
N E W S L E T T E R
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.Founding President/ Medical Director
“The 4 Pillars of Alzheimer’s Prevention” is published quarterly by the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation.
PHONE 1-888-908-5766 EMAIL [email protected] WEB www.AlzheimersPrevention.org
| Page 2 | WORKING TOWARDS PREVENTION SINCE 1993
Dr. Isaacson currently serves as Director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic, Weill Cornell Memory Disorders Program, Associate Professor of Neurology, and Director of the Neurology Residency Training Program at the Weill Cornell Medicine and New York- Presbyterian Hospital.He specializes exclusively in Alzheimer’s Disease risk reduction and treatment, mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s, and pre-clinical Alzheimer’s. His research focuses on nutrition and the implementation and longitudinal assessment of dietary intervention
for Alzheimer’s management. His research has been presented at scientific meetings nationally and internationally, and he was awarded the 2009 AAN A.B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award. Dr. Isaacson has chaired the AAN Undergraduate Education Subcommittee working group in dementia and in turn received the AAN Education Research Grant for “Evaluating the effectiveness of Continuum: Dementia as a teaching tool for medical students” which was published in Neurology.Dr. Isaacson also has experience with the personal side to this disease– as several of his family members have had Alzheimer’s. This has been a driving force behind his dedication and passion towards preventing AD through a comprehensive, multi-modal approach. Dr. Isaacson is the author of two-best selling books for caregivers and patients: Alzheimer’s Treatment Alzheimer’s Prevention: A Patient & Family Guide; The Alzheimer’s Prevention Diet: A Step-by-Step Nutritional Approach for Memory Loss Prevention & Treatment. As you can see, his work directly aligns with your ARPF’s 4 Pillars of Prevention: nutrition and dietary management are key aspects in keeping a healthy brain– and therefore– a healthy body. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Isaacson to ARPF Scientific Advisory Council.
Introducing Our Newest Medical and Scientific Advisory Council MemberRichard S. Isaacson, M.D.
Book ReviewBrain Changers 365 – Build a Better Brain with 7 Activities Each Day is a book by Renie Lenning, MS, Oscar Lenning, PhD and Alisha Solan, PhD. This book is different from others because it recognizes that the brain thrives on variety. The authors created a daily ‘menu’ of simple, accessible exercises that can be completed in 15 minutes which activate seven different brain functions. Readers will find a year’s worth of activities to support:
1. Inspirational Thinking
2. Personal Memory and Visualization
3. Objective Memory Recall
4. Logical Problem Solving
5. Creative Thinking
6. Processing New Information
7. Mind-Body Connection
Doctors often advise patients with a family history of Alzheimer’s to engage in mentally stimulating activities to delay symptoms of dementia. Brain Changers 365 – Build a Better Brain with 7 Activities Each Day is a new resource to do so.
Easy for anyone and relevant for everyone, the book is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local bookstores.
OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERSPresident/Medical Director Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.Vice President Randal Brooks, MA, LPCTreasurer Bert Beatty, MHA Secretary Kirti K. KhalsaMember Edward Steinfeldt, MA
EXECUTIVE STAFFChair of Education Advisory Committee Chris Walling, PsyD, MBA, C-IAYTSenior Advisor Simran S. StuelpnagelDirector of Special Events Arezu KaywanfarNewsletter Editor Chelsea Pyne
MEDICAL AND SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COUNCILChief Scientific Advisor George Perry, Ph.D. Dean and Professor, College of Sciences University of Texas at San Antonio, TX
Ma Gloria Borras-Boneu, M.D. GRD Health Institute Barcelona, SpainHiroko Dodge, Ph.D. Kevreson Research Professor of Neurology University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Oregon Health & Science University, ORKaren E. Innes, MSPH, Ph.D. West Virginia University School of Public Health Morgantown, WVNancy Emerson Lombardo, Ph.D. Adjunct Research Assistant Professor of Neurology (BUSM) Boston University, School of Medicine, Alzheimer’s Disease Center Boston, MA
Richard S. Isaacson, M.D. Director, Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic Weill Cornell Medical College New York, NYSat Bir Singh Khalsa, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Medicine Harvard Medical School Brigham and Women’s Hospital Boston, MAMiia Kivipelto, M.D., Ph.D. Aging Research Center and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Karolinska Institute Stockholm, SwedenKaren Koffler, M.D. Director of Integrative/Functional Medicine Relizir Health Hollywood, FLHelen Lavretsky, M.D., M.S. Professor, Department of Psychiatry UCLA Semel Institute and Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital Los Angeles, CA Lisa Mosconi, Ph.D. Associate Director, Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic Weill Cornell Medical College New York, NYAndrew B. Newberg, M.D. Director, Marcus Institute of Integrative Health –Myrna Brind Center Jefferson University Hospital Philadelphia, PAArti Prasad, M.D., FACP Chief of Medicine, Hennepin Medical Ctr, Professor/Vice Chair of Medicine, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN Kateřina Sheardová, M.D. Head, Memory Center ICRC St. Anne´s University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic Michelle Sierpina, Ph.D. Founding Director UTMB Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX
What Others Are Saying About ARPF
© 2017 Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation
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Outreach UpdateReport from the first Brain Longevity® Therapy TrainingBy Mary Evangeliste, ARPF Educational Programs Coordinator
On Thursday October 19, 2017 the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF) launched the inaugural session of the Brain Longevity Therapy Training on the campus of UCLA. The intensive training was the first of its kind– offering participants new science-based knowledge and tools to enhance their practice in the rapidly expanding field of successful aging.
Over the following four days, attendees heard from our esteemed faculty on the vital research being done on ARPF’s 4 Pillars of Prevention. Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa, founder and President of ARPF spoke to attendees about stress, spiritual fitness and brain longevity. Dr. Helen Lavretsky of the Department of Psychiatry at UCLA presented on mind-body medicine and resiliency in aging. Dr. Arti Prasad of the University of Minnesota offered sections on diet and supplements. Dr. Chris Walling served as a coach, facilitator and provided many amazing lectures on the brain, the psychology of longevity and motivational techniques for behavioral change. In addition, attendees interacted with faculty during extensive Q&A periods and over their breaks.
The course used a terrific comprehensive manual that was divided in several sections. The first section consisted of 20 chapters regarding the training. The second section was dedicated to instructor notes that help the participants teach the material directly, as their onsite guide. The third section had a complete PowerPoint that the attendees have already been putting to use in their own fields.
Dr. Chris Walling and Kirti Khalsa Presenting
Congratulations! In recognition of Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation’s hard work, Verywell has named ARPF among the leading Alzheimers & Dementia organizations of 2017.
Whether it’s raising money to fund research, fostering awareness through outreach and organized events, offering services and helping those who struggle–your efforts have led so many affected by Alzheimer’s & Dementia to lead healthier lives. In the spirit of living very well, Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation has truly helped them to “know more and feel better.”
And in response to your inspiring dedication, Verywell has promoted ARPF to our 17 million monthly health seekers. Please feel free to share the news with your audience, so they will stay verywell informed.
Warmest Regards,BRETT SPIEGEL, MPHSENIOR MANAGER, CONTENT
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Besides these state-of-the-art lectures, we had morning yoga sessions where we practiced and, more importantly, discussed how to teach and work with older adults who had no previous yoga experience. Kirti Khalsa, CEO of ARPF, led these sessions and served as Master of Ceremonies and project manager for the entire training. Finally, Trina Altman, an experienced yoga and Pilates instructor, provided many practical tips to our trainees on how to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls.
Although the training was held on the lush campus of UCLA, we wanted to make it available to others who were unable to travel to California. Thanks to the knowledgeable work of A+Light Picture, we were able to set up Live Streaming for the entire conference and had virtual participants from not only the across the USA, but also from Australia, Germany, Croatia, and Mexico. This setup worked wonderfully and our virtual participants remained involved in the practice and conversation throughout the training.
By the end of 2017 we will have 43 Certified Brain Longevity Specialists. Of these 43 we have a diversity of professions: Osteopathic Doctor, Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, Psychologist, Physical Therapist, PhD Student,
Yoga Therapist and Yoga Instructor– to name a few. Within just a couple weeks of our training we already know of multiple specialists who are integrating Kirtan Kriya into their professional practices. Moreover, many of our graduates are being asked to talk to local community centers, retirement facilities and specialty yoga classes. We are beyond happy to see the usefulness of the course put into action effective immediately.
Yoga Therapist Kristy Manuel said, “This was an incredible workshop, filled with valuable information and so many resources! Thank you for your work and generosity in helping us succeed in spreading this invaluable information.”
From the attendees’ evaluations we can say with certainty that we exceeded the graduates’ expectations for the first training and our own expectations as well. Many participants said that is was the best training they had ever experienced! We have great plans to grow the Brain Longevity Therapy Training in 2018, so please help us spread the word about this new certification. We are also building a community of graduates who will continue to learn together.
We want to thank all of the phenomenal faculty and ARPF staff who worked on the Brain Longevity Therapy Training, but mostly we want to thank you, our donors and supporters, for believing in our mission and helping us fund this amazing and needed new training.
“All great changes start not from the top, but from the people, infrastructure, small practices and individuals rather than policies and bureaucracy. This is one of those great changes happening. Thank you and it’s been an honor to be the first graduate of this life-changing program.” – Flora Wiegers, Life Coach
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PHONE 1-888-908-5766 EMAIL [email protected] WEB www.AlzheimersPrevention.org
Outreach Update Continued | Continued from P3 |
Dr. Lavretsky Speaking about ARPF Research at UCLA
The In-Person, First Class of Brain Longevity Graduates
For the past 6 years, ARPF has been providing research grants to the FINGER study. You’ve heard a lot about this study because it has been a cornerstone in our holistic and preventative research. It directly lines up with ARPF’s 4 Pillars of Prevention: Lifestyle factors do influence prevention.
The outcome of the trials told us many things. Eating a healthier diet, becoming more physically and mentally active, and incorporating stress-reducing programs to daily life have tremendous benefits. Dr. Kivipelto, the creator of the FINGER study, showed that these interventions significantly counteracted the shortening of telomeres. Therefore, DNA actually changes to protect itself, and the odds of developing dementia reduce greatly. Dr. Kivipelto explained that they were able to distinguish that the effects on cognition coincide with the effects on the cellular level. Not only did participants reduce their odds of developing Alzheimer’s, they also improved their quality of life.
It’s never too early or too late to start making lifestyle changes. Since Alzheimer’s can develop 30 years before a diagnosis, following the 4 Pillars can delay the onset or prevent dementia altogether. Researchers saw significant improvements in the minds and bodies of participants aged 60-77 within just two years of their program. Regardless of age, now is the time to make changes.
Mental stimulation is crucial for a sharp mind. Keep your brain active through discussions, readings, and mental games– it’s important that the subject challenges you. It is equally as important to relax your brain. Stress causes serious problems throughout the body. As Dr. Kivipelto said, “It’s not only the biological factors, it’s also the psychological factors, which is why scientists are much more open to meditation now. Meditation reduces stress so it also helps in prevention.”
Moreover, taking care of vascular risk factors (high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, diabetes) also keeps the brain healthy. Everything in the body is connected.
So where to go from here? You don’t have to change all your habits at once. If your diet needs improving, balance it by cutting down on red meats and sugar. If you need more exercise– don’t sign up for a marathon– go for a daily walk. Another important point is to use a support system. It’s easier to accomplish your goals when you’re in good company.
As Dr. Kivipelto said: “Alzheimer’s is not like a stroke; it doesn’t happen overnight. It starts years before, which is why a prevention program is so critically important. Factors that lead to dementia may start 20 to 30 years before diagnosis. As we do not have any drug that can treat the disease, prevention is the key.”
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© 2017 Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation
4th Quarter 2017
Research Update A Review of How Lifestyle Can Prevent Alzheimer’sBy Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., ARPF President and Medical Director
Dr. Kivipelto, the creator of the FINGER study
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THANK YOU
LEAVE A LEGACY: Remember Us in Your WillIf you would like to receive information on how you can leave a legacy to support the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation’s critical research initiatives, or to support one of our many other programs, please contact ARPF’s Vice President Randy Brooks at 520-749-8374 or [email protected].
ARPF LEGACY SOCIETYGold Level ($100,000 - $499,999) • Mrs. Ethel A. Hoff• Dr. and Mrs. Dharma Singh Khalsa
Bronze Level (Up to $50,000) • Mr. and Mrs. Randy Brooks• Edward T. Haats• Mrs. Marjorie Olmstead• Shaol and Evelyn Pozez Endowment Fund• Carl G. Crawford
to Our Generous Donors!
ARPF ACCEPTS IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER Please contact ARPF’s Vice President Randy Brooks at 520-749-8374 or [email protected].
The ARPF is a proud participant in the following workplace campaigns:AdobeAetna FoundationAmazonSmile FoundationAmerican ExpressAT&TBank of AmericaBritish TelecomCitigroupCVSDressbarnDiscoverDuke Energy FoundationGoogleHewlett Packard EnterpriseJust GiveIBMLiberty InsuranceLockheed MartinMacy’sMicrosoftNational Instruments Corp.Pacific Gas & Electric CompanyRoll GivingUnited HealthUnited WayYourCauseWells Fargo
Please see our website for a complete list of workplace campaigns that support your ARPF.
© 2017 Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation
| Page 7 |4th Quarter 2017
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